An Anti-Snoring Guard Offers Relief for Sleep Apnea in Irvine

Sleepless nights are hard on you – but they’re not easy for your loved ones either if they’re kept awake by your snoring. Not only that, but a lack of rest may also make you short-tempered. Snoring and irritability are two symptoms of sleep apnea. In Irvine, we can improve your quality of rest and your family relations with a custom-made mouthguard for snoring.

Sleep apnea is a condition that's been investigated more recently. A lot of people have sleep apnea and don't realize it, and this happens when patients will have a compromised airway when they sleep or even stop breathing for a minute, a minute and a half at a time. This can lead them to vulnerabilities with heart disease and some other problems. So we kind of laugh about snoring, but snoring is actually a compromised airway. Everybody snores now and then but if you're doing it consistently, that would be something that would be good to talk to the dentist about.

Not all dentists deal with sleep apnea. We do and it's very gratifying. These people typically will say, “I'm always tired. I never get enough rest. Yeah, I slept seven, eight hours, but it doesn't ever seem to be enough.” It's the quality of the sleep, not just the quantity and if these people stop breathing every couple of minutes for a minute, a minute and a half, the quality of their sleep is not good. They're gasping for air.

Sleep apnea has several treatments. Some of them can be done at the dentist. Some frankly have to be done at the physician, some are even done with the surgeon. I often explain the dentist is a good place to start because if we can help them there tend to be more direct and more straightforward and those would involve things like a night guard, a mouth guard, or what's called different phrases and brands, a (inaudible), some way to support the airway.

Some patients are on CPAP machines and they know all about those and they proved to be very uncomfortable. They want to investigate other options and dental has some options available. What I tell patients, the best way is to come in and let's talk about it. Let's see where you are, see what you've had. Many times we coordinate with the physicians and order a sleep study where they can see exactly how often they're sleep deprived, how long they quit breathing, and that'll give us an idea of the severity of their sleep problem.

A snoring mouthguard will:

Fit comfortably in your mouth without obstructing your face like a CPAP machine

Keep your airway open so you don’t gasp for air throughout the night

Prevent you from suffering from daytime fatigue

Help you stay more alert and focused when awake

Lower your risk of health conditions associated with sleep apnea, like high blood pressure and diabetes

If your snoring is keeping your household up all night, ask us about sleep apnea treatment at your next dental exam, or call us today at 949-304-2897.

A Snore Appliance Is a Less Invasive CPAP Alternative

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your tongue or other tissue in your throat blocks your airway while you sleep. A blocked airway causes you to briefly awaken many times a night while trying to breathe. Two commonly prescribed treatments to keep your airway clear are:

A CPAP Machine – This machine produces a steady stream of pressurized air, which you typically breathe in through a mask worn over your nose.

An Anti-Snoring Guard – An anti-snore mouthguard resembles an athletic mouthguard. It gently moves your jaw into a position that keeps your airway open. It keeps you from snoring whether or not you have sleep apnea. Since it is custom made, it will fit you perfectly and be comfortable to wear. Unlike a CPAP, it doesn’t require batteries or electricity. It’s also easier to transport than a CPAP.

A logical first step in sleep apnea treatment is a sleep study. This is usually ordered by your physician. With an official diagnosis, it’s possible that insurance will pay for some or all of your treatment.

Sleep apnea symptoms include chronic loud snoring, daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing on tasks, and irritability. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea in Irvine or surrounding areas, call Tozzer Dental at 949-304-2897. Dr. Charles Tozzer can advise you on your next steps.

What Our Patients Are Saying

M. B. (Verified Patient)|Jun 04, 2020

5

The experience is always great.

The experience is always great.

B. P. (Verified Patient)|Mar 18, 2020

5

I really appreciate the expertise and caring of the staff

I really appreciate the expertise and caring of the staff

J. H. (Verified Patient)|Mar 16, 2020

5

Dr. Tozzer has been my dentist for over 25 years. He’s always excellent, the hygienists...Read More

Dr. Tozzer has been my dentist for over 25 years. He’s always excellent, the hygienists are excellent. I’ve had the big stuff like too like crowns, and always a job well done. From the texts and post cards to remind you of your appointments, to the coffee and bottled water when you come in and the fresh baked cooked when you leave, it’s always a great experience. Everyone at Dr. Tozzer’s office makes you feel welcome!

A. P. (Verified Patient)|Mar 09, 2020

5

I have been seeing Dr Tozzer and his staff for over 15 years now! His...Read More

I have been seeing Dr Tozzer and his staff for over 15 years now! His work I amazing, his staff is second to none! They make you feel comfortable and welcome every time! I make the drive all the way from Montclair and will continue to go out of my way to see him!

E. M. (Verified Patient)|Mar 04, 2020

5

Dr. Tozzer has been my dentist for 25 years or so now--and I'm about to...Read More

Dr. Tozzer has been my dentist for 25 years or so now--and I'm about to turn 30! He's the only dentist I've ever gone to... and I've never even CONSIDERED changing to see anybody else. He and his staff are all great people, great at what they do, and are always so welcoming to me and my family!
Thank you all for taking such great care of us!

A. K. (Verified Patient)|Feb 28, 2020

5

As always, the best experience. Thank you for your care. I sincerely appreciate it!

As always, the best experience. Thank you for your care.
I sincerely appreciate it!

S. L. (Verified Patient)|Feb 21, 2020

5

I love all of the staff at Tozzer Dental. I've been going there for years...Read More

I love all of the staff at Tozzer Dental. I've been going there for years and it's nice to see the same people year after year. It's like seeing old friends when I have an appointment.
They are always gentle whether it's for a cleaning or for grinding a tooth down for a crown. How often do you hear about the dentist being a positive experience? Always, with these folks!

R. C. (Verified Patient)|Feb 21, 2020

5

Visiting the offices of Doctor Charles Tozzer is like saying hello to family members you...Read More

Visiting the offices of Doctor Charles Tozzer is like saying hello to family members you only see once or twice a year. They are friendly, courteous, caring and most of all the chocolate cookies are to die for!This time I had a new hygienist clean my teeth. We laughed, I cried, but all in all I had a great time. She tried her best to make it fun for me which I very much appreciate. I will be back in six months for more laughs and friendly service.

A. M. (Verified Patient)|Feb 21, 2020

5

Outstanding dental services and great customer services

Outstanding dental services and great customer services

K. S. (Verified Patient)|Feb 20, 2020

5

The Kuzay family has been seeing Dr. Tozzer since the late 1990s. That says a...Read More

The Kuzay family has been seeing Dr. Tozzer since the late 1990s. That says a lot there, and the staff members have also been there forever. (Our son loves their giant chocolate chip cookies!) Dr. Tozzer himself is extremely competent and kind. Year after year he continues his visits down to a small town in Mexico to provide free dental care. What a big heart!

Common Questions About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea contributes to several serious health conditions, some of which can kill you. For example, a study founded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea have a greater risk of sudden cardiac death. Sleep apnea is linked to several cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure and strokes.

Chronic loud snoring is a common sleep apnea symptom. Your bed partner may also notice you gasping for breath throughout the night. During the day, you may experience fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing on work or other tasks. Sleep apnea is more common in those who are overweight and in those with large necks (more than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women).

High blood pressure is caused by the frequent sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during episodes of sleep apnea. This not only increases your blood pressure but also strains your cardiovascular system. This overexertion of the cardiovascular system may result in a heart attack or a stroke.